Assistant Professor Mary Hart
Mary Hart came to California University in 1982 to develop a service/lab component for the newly created Gerontology program. In that capacity, she founded and served 22 years as Executive Director for the Center in the Woods, an agency which became nationally known for its model programs for rural older adults including supportive housing, geriatric primary care health care, adult day services, intergenerational shared housing, exercise, wellness and education programs. Currently she serves as Director of the Gerontology Program at Cal U.
She has won numerous awards for her development of innovative programs for rural elders and commitment to community service including the Presbyterian SeniorCare’s Samuel K. McCune Award for Distinguished Service in Aging, the C.B. Wilson Distinguished Faculty Award from the California University Alumni Association, California University’s Faculty Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Area of Service (1996) and California University’s Faculty Scholarship Award in the Area of Faculty Scholarship (1992). She has authored several articles and co-authored two books based on her work at the Center: Beyond Baskets and Beads: A Manual of Culturally and Age Appropriate Activities for Older Adults with Functional Impairments, and In Search of the Starfish: Creating a Caring Environment. Ms. Hart has presented regionally and nationally and serves on numerous non-profit boards including the Board of Directors of the Greater Pennsylvania Alzheimer's Association.
Ms. Hart received her bachelors from Nebraska Wesleyan University, a graduate Aging Specialist Certificate from the University of Nebraska and a Masters in Gerontology and Business Administration from Duquesne University.
Mary lives in Long Branch, PA and enjoys sailing, kayaking, skiing, golfing and almost anything outdoors.